STOUPORT’S new Tesco store will be allowed to open on Sundays and extend its existing opening times – despite opposition from nearby residents.

Wyre Forest District Council’s planning committee approved the application by the supermarket giant to increase its business hours, subject to the necessary legal agreements being finalised.

Since opening in September, the store and petrol station on Severn Road has been open from 8am to 8pm Monday to Thursday and 8am to 9pm on Friday and Saturdays.

Tesco applied to introduce Sunday opening, from 10am to 4pm, while opening for extended hours from 7am to 10pm for the rest of the week – comparable to other existing supermarkets in Stourport and the former Tesco Express in Lombard Street that closed shortly before the new store opened.

But residents in neighbouring streets objected to the proposal, voicing concerns over potential increased traffic, increased noise and disturbance, littering and the impact the extended opening hours will have on other traders in the town.

Lynne Jones, who lives in Lichfield Street, said: “I have no objection with Tesco and I shop there. We live in beautiful, historic houses but the road and footpath are terrible and we are concerned this will get worse.

“I do litter picking in the street and have already seen more rubbish since the new store opened. At the moment Sundays are great but there will be more noise and more traffic when they open for longer.”

Tesco’s planning consultant Paul Manning told the committee on Wednesday (October 15) that the extended hours will give existing customers more time to do their shopping and will not result in extra traffic on the highways network.

He added: “The new Tesco store employs 200 local people and, since opening, it has been very well received.”

Wyre Forest District Council leader Marcus Hart said: “I understand residents concerns but this application is extending the time for shoppers to go there and I don’t think there will be substantial increased traffic movement.”

Councillor Stephen Williams, Conservative, added: “Last Sunday, I was approached by some shoppers who were very disappointed because Tesco was not open. They expect it to be open on a Sunday.”

After the meeting, Simon Petar, Tesco Corporate Affairs Manager, said: “We are pleased that we can provide the level of service our customers have been used to.”

He added he expected the new hours to come into effect in the coming weeks.